Leafs fall 1-0 in shootout loss to Kings

The Maple Leafs lost their second straight game as they fell to the Kings in the shootout. This is the first time this season that the Leafs have been shut-out. It was also the first time since November 2017, that a game involving the Leafs ended 0-0 in regulation.

Battle Between The Pipes

If you were one of the few that stayed up to catch the game last night, you were treated with an amazing battle between the pipes. It is so rare in this day in age of the high scoring NHL to see a game end 0-0. Despite the loss, this was the third shut-out of the season for Andersen. Andersen looked his old self again as he made save after save. The Kings put Andersen too work, despite a great effort from the defense. When called upon Andersen stood tall and earned the Leafs a very important point.

The Kings may be last in the West but they are no push overs. With the win against the Leafs they have now won four straight. They may have fallen on hard times the past few years but the Kings were once a power house in the league. Kings goalie Quick recorded his first shut-out of the season. Turning back the clock as he dominated the Leafs. Stopping all 36 shots, it was a vintage performance from Quick.

Defense Bounces Back

This was probably not the result the Leafs were looking for but it was a great game. Against the Sharks on Tuesday night, they had no grit on the back-end. They looked sluggish, which led to great chances for the Sharks. In LA however the Leafs played very well on defense. The Kings had a few really good chances but for the most part the defense kept them in check.

Especially on the penalty kill, the Leafs were amazing, As of late the Kings power-play has been good. The Kings finished 0-3 on the power-play. The way the Leafs kill penalties has been very impressive. They have been fantastic all season. Hyman had one of the best plays of the game in overtime. While killing off the Kings power-play, Hyman managed three shots on Quick, which helped kill off the power-play. I understand that the Kings are not the best team in the NHL but the reality is that there are no more easy win games.

Playoff Race

With the loss in overtime, the Leafs earned a big point. They remain in third in the Atlantic with 79 points. Florida lost in overtime to Boston also earning them a point. The five point gap the Leafs created is still there after last night’s action. The Panthers do have a game in hand meaning the game in Anaheim on Friday night is very big. With a win the Leafs will move seven points clear. If they lose, the Panthers will have two games in hand on the Leafs. The Panthers next game is Saturday against the Canadians.

As I mentioned before, it is a quick turn around as the Leafs are back in action tonight as they play the Ducks.